Building communities: Bob Simpson’s vision for transformative multifamily real estate investing

As CEO of the Multifamily Impact Council, Bob Simpson knows a thing or two about multifamily impact investing.

Bob recently sat down with us to share his perspectives on impact investing and affordable housing. With a background uniquely positioning him at the intersection of real estate and social impact, he offers invaluable insights that are a treasure for anyone interested in the transformative power of housing.

A personal journey to multifamily real estate

Bob's path to real estate was unorthodox, rooted in personal experiences that shaped his view of housing. "I grew up on a ranch in South Dakota, not around apartment buildings. What drove me into this business wasn't the real estate, although I love real estate, but the opportunity to impact people's lives," he recalls.

Bob came to understand the profound impact adequate housing can have in his college years. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Bob found himself in situational poverty, living in various asset classes, from manufactured housing to poorly maintained rental properties to tax credit properties. These experiences taught Bob that having a safe place to live is foundational to growth. These insights from his early life experiences informed his compassionate approach to real estate and his drive to create an impact in affordable housing.

The role of affordable housing in impact investing

In his tenure at Fannie Mae, Bob championed affordable housing and green finance programs, viewing them as more than just business ventures. He reflects, "If you can create a stable place for people to live, that's your opportunity to help them. I saw this every day in terms of how it could improve a person's life and generate good returns for investors." This approach underscores housing as a catalyst for stability and personal growth.

Importance of the renter in multifamily investments

Bob firmly believes in the symbiotic relationship between renters and property owners. "A healthy, financially stable renter creates a stable property, and vice versa. Long-term investors in multifamily want low bad debt costs and stable properties," he explains. This paradigm shift positions renters as invaluable assets in the real estate investment equation.

Green initiatives and environmental responsibility

Bob led the way in integrating environmental responsibility into investment strategies at Fannie Mae. Speaking of Fannie Mae’s green program, he notes, "We had to prove that these investments improved property performance and were environmentally beneficial. We streamlined data and made the process scalable." This pioneering approach melded ecological concern with real estate profitability.

The Multifamily Impact Framework™

To increase the flow of impact capital into the multifamily sector, the Multifamily Impact Council (MIC) has developed a common framework of industry principles and reporting guidelines for rental housing properties in the United States.

Learn more about MIC here.

That framework, however, is not static. Describing the ever-evolving nature of the Multifamily Impact Framework, Bob says, "The framework is a living document. We're committed to enhancing it every year based on feedback." This adaptive approach reflects the dynamic landscape of multifamily real estate and impact investing and illustrates Bob’s own passion for enhancing affordable housing opportunities for investors and residents alike.

Vision for the future

Reflecting on the framework's adoption and industry impact, Simpson comments, "The wide adoption of the framework, evident in its growing downloads and council memberships, indicates a shift in the industry toward more conscientious investment strategies." His vision underlines a collaborative and forward-thinking approach to multifamily real estate.

MIC’s commitment to affordable housing, sustainable development, and technological innovation offers a blueprint for a more equitable and prosperous future in real estate. As CEO, Bob infuses his work with MIC with his passion for impact investing.

Learn how MIC has partnered with W&D AP when you download our latest Impact Report.